New Mazda Global MX-5 Cup car completes first test

New Mazda Global MX-5 Cup car completes first test

Long Road Racing began preparations for the 2019 Battery Tender Global Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich Tires season by completing its first day of testing with the new, 2019 Mazda Global MX-5 Cup car on Thursday.

Long Road Racing’s objective for the first day of testing was to ensure that all systems functioned properly on the new car, which is outfitted with the 181-horsepower, 7500rpm engine now available in the Mazda Miata, and that all the racing components performed consistently compared to first generation Global MX-5 Cup race car.

Tom Long, the chief development driver for the Global MX-5 Cup car, completed 70 laps of the 3.27-mile Virginia International Raceway circuit on Thursday.

“The new 2019 Global Mazda MX-5 Cup car is sure to please the racers,” said Long. “The additional power from the new SkyActiv 2.0L engine is noticeable right away, pulling hard all the way to its new, higher redline. I think the current Global MX-5 Cup car owners will enjoy the upgrade. It has the same great chassis and handling characteristics, but now with an added punch and a larger, more usable rev range.”